[Extract]

Gentlemen This addresses you by my Son Gilbert Saltonstall it is impossible for me to wait on you with any Accts at this Juncture, being more than fully Employed with Forts now in Building, and supplying men by Order of Congress for a 20 Gun Ship at Philadelphia, to be Commanded by Capt Dudley Saltonstall who is to appoint all his Officers, and get all his Men in Connectt if possible, as New England Men are prefer'd, refer you to my Son for particulars, it may be the Kings Ships will be here soon and I would not then be absent.